UFC Champion Ilia Topuria Outlines Historical Venue as Stage for Retirement Fight from MMA

Ilia Topuria has become one of the biggest superstars in the UFC, rising rapidly through elite-level competition. The Georgian-Spanish champion started training MMA at 15, building his foundation early in the sport. He made his professional debut at 18 and quickly established himself as a standout prospect. Now at 29 years old and a two-division UFC champion, Topuria has revealed his ideal retirement stage.

Topuria was born in Germany to Georgian parents before spending his early childhood in Georgia. He trained in Greco-Roman wrestling during those early years, laying the groundwork for his grappling. At 15, he moved to Alicante, Spain, where he joined the Climent Club gym and continued to develop. He earned a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt, fought in local promotions, and made his UFC debut in 2020.

Staying in Spain, Topuria became a Real Madrid fan, strongly influenced by Cristiano Ronaldo’s nine-year stint at the club. He has long spoken about his desire to fight at the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium in Madrid. Topuria has also visited the stadium multiple times, strengthening his personal connection to the venue. The UFC lightweight champion recently reiterated that he wants his final fight to take place there.

I would love it. Actually I would love to make my last fight in Spain, in the Bernabeu stadium. It’s been a long time since I have fought in Spain. So I wanna do it. Doing my walkout with the Mariachis, everyone singing. Wow, that would be crazy.

Ilia Topuria via SportsWorld YT

Ilia Topuria says he wants his last fight to take place in Spain at Santiago Bernabéu Stadium 🇪🇸

via: Sportsworld YT pic.twitter.com/iz6uXJLuZ4

— MMA Pros Pick (@MMA_PROS_PICK_) May 13, 2026

Topuria has visited the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium multiple times, strengthening his bond with Real Madrid over the years. He was welcomed by around 80,000 fans during a 2024 Real Madrid vs Sevilla match, creating a major public spotlight moment. That appearance came shortly after his knockout win over Alexander Volkanovski at UFC 298, which earned ‘El Matador’ the featherweight title.

The 29-year-old two-division champion has pushed for a UFC event in Spain, but those plans fell through due to reported security and logistical concerns. He then helped establish WOW FC, a Spanish MMA promotion focused on developing local talent and providing a pathway to major MMA organizations such as the UFC. This move also strengthened his role in building the sport’s infrastructure within Spain.

Many UFC analysts have suggested that Ilia Topuria may be heading toward an early retirement. Former UFC champion Rampage Jackson has been among those who have claimed that the Spaniard’s push for fast-track title fights could signal a shorter career. These predictions are often linked to Topuria’s own comments. However, it remains to be seen if ‘El Matador gets his wish to retire at the Santiago Bernabéu.

Ilia Topuria reveals the gift he received from the President of the United States

Ilia Topuria has not competed in the UFC since his June 2025 title win over Charles Oliveira at UFC 317. He secured the championship through a knockout victory that solidified his position at the top of the division. The Georgian Spanish superstar is now set to headline the UFC Freedom 250 event at the White House. He will face interim champion Justin Gaethje in a lightweight unification bout.

For the UFC Freedom 250 event promotional build-up, all headliners attended the White House for official photos and meetings with US President Donald Trump. Topuria was seen engaging in conversations with Trump during the visit. The POTUS also presented him with a Presidential Challenge Coin and explained its traditional military-style significance and coin challenge custom.

If you go into a bar and you do a coin challenge and you leave this in a bar with the military or with the police, like this. Whoever has the power, the medallion of the lowest rank is the one who pays, okay? And this is the highest because it’s the president’s, which is the highest rank.

Ilia Topuria via his YouTube channel

🇺🇸 Donald Trump gifted Ilia Topuria a Presidential Challenge Coin 🪙

"If you go into a bar and you do a coin challenge and you leave this in a bar with the military or with the police, like this.

Whoever has the power, the medallion of the lowest rank is the one who pays, okay?… pic.twitter.com/QrPQNuMIUS

— MMA Pros Pick (@MMA_PROS_PICK_) May 11, 2026

Ilia Topuria revealed that he asked the US President for a batch of pens from the Oval Office during their meeting, adding a personal request to the official visit. The request was granted, and Topuria received several pens. The moment highlighted a lighter side of the promotional event despite its formal political setting.

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